COC keeping close eye on athletes’ Twitter accounts

This is the land of George Orwell, so perhaps it's an homage to the great man.

Either way, the Canadian Olympic Committee is slapping the muzzle on its athletes' Twitter accounts, on the eminently reasonable grounds that they'd really rather not have to send anyone home for saying something stupid (or in the case of a Greek athlete, racist).

According to a release from the COC, the body "requires that all members of the Canadian Olympic Team comply with 'The IOC Social Media, Blogging and Internet Guidelines for participants and other accredited persons at the London 2012 Olympic Games.'"

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That includes a provision that no athlete or team official is allowed to pass themselves off as a journalist (!).

At the same time, the COC points out it has given competitors specialized social media training and because "we want athletes to be able to share their stories and Olympic experiences and connect with their fans around the world."

Provided their musings "be dignified and in good taste, and not contain vulgar or obscene words or images."

So be careful what you say, athletes, Big Brother is emphatically watching.

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